My previous Free Aero RC's from the Obama administration were finally biting the dust, so I bought these on sale. They are awesome. Love the compression fabric. The straps, which seem stiff and rough when you take the bibs out of the bag, are comfortable and disappear during a ride--you don't notice them. The pad is the best, in my opinion, of any bibs out there except maybe the Giordana FR-C. I will probably buy another pair of these. So good. As always, size up with Castelli. I am 6' tall and weigh 185lbs, and always wear XL in Castelli (large in everything else).
I am a Castelli devotee . Been wearing their products for years. Sometimes though you get surprised. These are really designed for racing with a highly compressive fabric suited for a leaner body type. They didn't work for my 70+ year old body. Just too tight around the torso and legs, and the bib straps were quite rigid. Can't return them, so going to try and sell them, but I did order the Espresso bib shorts which are basically the same bibs without the heavy compressive fabric using the same Progetto X2 chamois. Much happier. Just for reference, I am 5'6" and weigh 158 and bought a Medium.
Compared to the prior version of the aero race bib, I think the increased compression and new materials are a nice upgrade. Leg material is really nice with good compression., midsection feels fine, unabtrusive despite feeling higher up the tummy. straps are interesting and a bit rigid with a bit more reinforcement/padding in the shoulders. Also, I've always worn mediums (6', 165lbs with slightly larger legs and rump and thinner torso) and I find these a bit too tight and the shoulder straps too short for my height. I should probably have gotten large, but I'll just try to stretch out these mediums and see what happens.
Quality bib shorts are worth the investment. As other reviewers have mentioned, they do fit tighter than previous models, but the extra compression isn't noticeable while on the bike...just when putting them on! The chamois is very comfortable, I've been using Castelli for 10 years. Worth the price for sure.
I have numerous pairs of these, they are my favorite bibs. They have been updated/upgraded from the previous version, longer length and better finish w/o the gripper band that stretched out over time and use.
I reserve these for longer rides, where the advantage over less expensive options becomes more obvious. I like the feel of the material, and the straps and leg cuffs are very comfortable. However, what impresses me most are two things. First is the chamois, which is great because I don't notice it or think about it (unlike some others that make me squirm around or get out of the saddle every so often after 20-25 miles). I was expecting that from other reviews I've read, but what I didn't expect and really like is the slight compression the bib shorts provide. I have other bib shorts that feel snug and support my muscles, but the Aero RC bib shorts go beyond that and seemingly help my legs stay fresh longer. Size up as usual for Castelli and take them out for a very long spin. Yeah, you'll still wish they didn't cost so much, but you'll understand why they're worth it.
I bought these bibs because they're awesome Castelli makes great products. I was not disappointed they fit and feel amazing the chamois is so comfortable it makes for a very comfortable ride . They look great too which doesn't hurt!
Castelli recommends going one size larger. They are correct. I had to exchange and still snug. Pad is great new technology. Cool as the big only comes up to your waste.
The manufacturing is impeccable and I expect this product to perform as good as the first day that I put them on for the very first time. Castelli is my go to Manufacturer.
Purchased 2 pairs they are fantastic, great Chamois, fantastic compression great fit
I had to give 4 stars because 1 seam on the rt leg is a bit rough I'm awaiting response from Castelli
Great quality and durability.
I have used multiple other brands bib shorts, and have had the impression that Castelli was the best, so I dove in.
The first 20-mile ride with these wasn't good. The straps rubbed the nipples raw and developed an abrasion on the left hip from the seam. I have been riding and using bib shorts for 15 years and have never had either of these issues with rides up to 200 miles in one day with the other brands.
